Gift of Tea

 

Mary, my blog friend that visited this week, brought a gift of tea.
Now isn't that the most perfect thing to give a tea lover?
It is Marks & Spencer's Empress Grey.
A special blend created by their master blender just for Marks & Spencer.
Normally Earl Grey teas are not my choice, but I just am loving
the citrus addition to this blend.
It is a fair trade tea blended with Orange and Lemon flavoring, Orange and
Lemon peel, and Bergamot Oil, which makes it the "Grey".
How special to receive a gift from London's finest and to be able
to enjoy it while sitting in my yard this morning.

What is in your cup this morning?

Photo taken in another place not too far away.

A Walk in the Garden

We walked through the gate and into the sunshine.

Friends from afar honored us with a very special visit.
The blog world is just amazing how connections are made
and finally we meet face to face for a day of delight.

Mary of A Breath of Fresh Air and her husband were traveling through
Portland and my husband and I delighted in sharing our city with them.
There were gardens to see, tea to imbibe, and talk to savor.

The views were just perfection, the roses awesome, and the friendship
growing with each word spoken.

 

 

We began the day viewing Multnomah Falls
and the sun began setting on one final rose garden.
How delightful to take a day to play in the garden with friends.
The best sort of day.

Monday's Quotes

 

Don't be pushed by your problems.
Be led by your Dreams.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Self Care, A Bit Longer than Usual

 

For a very long time I didn't know what it meant to have "self care".
Then I was slapped in the face with life.
My breathe was taken away and I gasped, I felt like I was going under the surface and not coming back.

Often I come across blogs with young women as writers.
They are having seminars and retreats for women on "self care".
I would love to be part of their seminars and retreats and just play for awhile with them.

They are certainly alot more aware than I was at a younger age.
I guess I am a slow learner, but having the breathe sucked from my soul
I LEARNED.

1. I grabbed every self help book I could find, hanging out for hours at the bookstore.
I knew which bookstores had comfy chairs.
2. I devoured everything I could get my hands on.
3. I had an open heart to search for the answers.
4. I wrote in a journal regularly.
5.  I talked to a close friend or two.
6. I found a group that could support me in sharing my story.
7.  I prayed.
8. And I learned to delight in the small things of life.

Finally, I came out on the other side and could breathe again.
I don't teach seminars or lead retreats, I guess those are for the young;
but I often ask you questions in my blog posts.
Questions I hope you take to heart and think on.
You might think my blog is just to feel good and I hope it does that for you;
but there is so much more I want you to think on for yourself.
Then take to your heart and delight in each day.

What is delighting you today?
What is helping you breathe? 

For me just remembering walking on this beach just a few days ago delights me.
The waters now soothe me, replenish me.
I no longer feel like I am sinking below the surface.
I have become a stronger woman.

I wish for each of you strength for each day, 
delight, and an opportunity to dance in the sunshine or the rain.
Happy weekend, dear friends!

Happy 4th of July!

Blueberry muffins
Sparklers
Red, White, and Blue
Outdoors
Celebrations
Family Gatherings
The American Flag
Picnics
Watermelon
Parades

These are a few of my favorite 4th of July things!
What are your favorite things?

A Blessing at Meal Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_IrdS-zu48

My grandson sits with us at meals now when he comes to visit.
His parents are teaching him this song as the meal blessing.
I am touched that his mama is recalling a time as a child
when she learned this song at summer camp.
Little D just smiles when we hold hands
and sing at the beginning of the meal.
Click on the link and sing along.
For the Lord is good to us.

Tea in Lavender Fields

Jardin du Soleil, a lovely lavender farm in Sequim, Washington

 

 

 

 

 

Recently I have fallen in love all over again with lavender.
A visit to the lavender fields was on the agenda.
A perfect sunny day.
A day just to share a cup of tea and take in the fragrance of the flower.
A time to savor and slow down.

Do you take time to slow down?
Do you like to play in the lavender fields?

I hope some time this week that you find time to breathe and play a bit.
It is good for the soul and it was good for me.